Hitting a weight-loss plateau can be one of the biggest setbacks of any diet or weight loss program, but there are several ways to overcome this obstacle and sustain healthy weight loss for the long-term.
However, there are several ways you can adjust your lifestyle and make small changes to your daily routine so that your metabolism is running at peak efficiency, helping you to lose weight gradually and in a healthy way. Avoid the frustration that comes with hitting a plateau by making sure you're not falling for any of these 10 diet traps:
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1. Eating after 8 p.m. Your body is burning calories at a very high rate during the day, and daytime is the best time to eat your largest meals. Eating a heavy meal too late in the day can leave you feeling lethargic and tired the following day and may even slow down your metabolism. Plan your meals appropriately so you can actually burn off what you eat each and every day.
2. Eating unhealthy snacks. Extra calories from candy at the office, dessert after dinner or simply eating when you're stressed out can add up fast. Keep track of your food with a food diary so you know exactly what and why you're eating.
3. Eating too much fruit. Fruit is healthy for you and can be a valuable snack when you're losing weight; however, too much fruit means you're only adding more sugar to your diet. Balance out fruit with protein such as yogurt or milk to slow down the rate of absorption and keep you satisfied.
4. Not eating enough fiber. Eat more whole grains to keep your appetite in check and your digestive system running at peak efficiency.{relatedarticles}
5. Not drinking enough water. Water helps flush your body of toxins and keeps your metabolism in order.
6. Not enough physical activity. When you're overloaded with work, worry or anxiety, it's easy to pass up that exercise routine. Make sure you're working out at least 20 to 30 minutes per day to keep your metabolism fired up, and you'll be burning calories all day long.
7. Turning to food for comfort. Food can be a source of comfort when you're feeling emotional, stressed out or simply tired. Learn new ways of comforting yourself so you're not overeating just to deal with feelings.8. Skipping breakfast. A healthy breakfast is essential for firing up your metabolism and keeping hunger at bay.
9. Skipping meals. Avoiding food for long periods of time can put your body in starvation mode, which prevents you from losing weight. Make sure you're eating small meals every three or four hours to keep your appetite under control and your metabolism running at peak efficiency.{relatedarticles}
10. Not getting enough sleep. A good night's rest is important for keeping your metabolism healthy so that weight loss is much, much easier. Don't skimp on sleep so you can stay healthy, strong and well rested for your daily activities.
Sometimes even the healthiest diet and consistent exercise regiment can leave you "stuck" at a certain weight. Don't let a weight-loss plateau hold you back from getting the results you want after all your hard work! Make sure you're not falling into any of these 10 habits so you can start losing weight with ease.{relatedarticles}